Download Cac Reader For Mac

Catalina [10.15.x]

Released on 7 October 2019

Apr 20, 2021 Best CAC Card Readers For Mac – Portable Use. For portable CAC readers with tried and tested Mac compatibility, our top pick is the RT-SCR3 from Rocketek. SIIG’s USB 2.0 Smart Card Reader enables you to add a smart card reader to your USB equipped PC or Mac desktop or notebook computer. CAC for a Mac is the ability to use a Department of Defense (DoD) common access card (CAC) on Apple Macintosh computers to access Web sites that require DoD certificate authentication. It was written to allow Navy Marine Corps Intranet (NMCI) users to access their NMCI e-mail using the NMCI Microsoft Outlook Web Access (OWA) portal.

NOTICE

10.15.7 is working better, with less issues. So, If you have 10.15.4, please update to 10.15.7 as soon as possible.

I will keep the information below in the event someone is still having problems.

The below are items that have worked for others. The idea is to try one. If it doesn't work, try the next. Your outcome will vary, and may not work.
10 APR 2020 - Install Microsoft Edge and use it as your web browser as opposed to Safari or Chrome
Between mid October 2019 and mid February 2020 everyone in the Army was migrated to PIV AUTH certificate for Email access. You will now select the CAC certificate WITHOUT the word Email in it. So, you no longer select your Email certificate for Enterprise Email.
Mac users who upgrade to Mac OS Catalina (10.15.x) need to uninstall all 3rd Party CAC enablers per https://militarycac.com/macuninstall.htm
If you purchased your Mac with Catalina, you can skip the Macuninstall page, and go directly to the MacNotes page
How to sign a PDF using Adobe
Please verify these settings on your Mac:
Open an Adobe PDF file,
Select the words Adobe Reader [or Acrobat Reader] (at the top of the screen)
Click Preferences
Under Categories, scroll down to Signatures
In the Creation and Appearance section, click More
Make sure Enable CryptoTokenKit framework support is checked.
You also need to changethe Default Signing Format from PKCS#7-Detached toCAdES-Equivalent
Close Adobe Reader
Double click an Adobe PDF file you need to sign
Problems accessing DTS?
You have to use the Safari web browser (Chrome has not worked for anyone)
Download
Select the Show Details (button)
Click the link titled: visit this website
Click the button that shows: Visit Website
Enter your computer password, [you are manually adding the web address to your keychain access].
Click Update Settings (button)
DTS should now open for you.
I have added some sites I know are having this issue here. You can download the certificates you need. Then will only need to double click it and do a manual trust on them.
Here's How to manually trust the certificate(s): Double click the certificate, select the triangle next to Trust, in the When using this certificate: select Always Trust.
Air Force and Coast Guard users who utilize VMware Horizon need to update their client
Here is the link:
https://my.vmware.com/web/vmware/downloads/details?downloadGroup=CART21FQ1_MAC_543&productId=863&rPId=44670
Look here for installation steps
You will see in Table 1 that no CAC enablers are compatible with Mac OS Catalina.
Discounted prices on the programs mentioned below can be viewed here

NOTE:
If your CAC reader is not being recognized by your virtual Windows, follow this guidance:
VMware Fusion: From the menu bar, select Virtual Machine, then USB. Find your CAC reader and select it.
Parallels Desktop- (In Coherent mode): Click the red parallel lines in the menu bar, Select Devices,
USB, find your CAC reader and select it.
Parallels Desktop - (Not in Coherent mode): Simply plug your reader into the computer and select whether you want to use it in Mac or Windows. You may also need to click the word Devices in the top row, USB, then your CAC reader.

VirtualBox: Click the word Devices (at the top of the screen), then USB Devices, and select your CAC reader. When you want to use it on your Mac, go to the same location and remove the checkmark. If you receive an error message when trying to select the reader here follow these instructions:

* In the VirtualBox Graphical User Interface (GUI), click on USB (small icon in the list of devices).
* Then check 'Enable USB Controller' and 'Enable USB EHCI controlling.'
* Lowest on the beach, you'll see a list of icons to your right. Check first. A box appears 'a new filter'. Check it.
* By clicking on the icon below, representative of a USB plug with a +, you'll see a list of drivers.
* Select the one that corresponds to your USB drive. Check it added in the filter window.
CAC Readers: With a variety of CAC readers available today there are also a variety of issues. The SCR series of CAC readers work very well. The SCR-331 reader may need a Firmware Update. See several different models of USB CAC readers here. You will see a small note on some of the readers to show you how to make them compatible with your Mac.

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Air Force users look here for some helpful information Castle builder games.

Navy users look here for some specific information

Big Sur (11.0) users, utilize the Big Sur support page

Mojave (10.14.x) users, utilize the Mojave support page

Build menu bar apps. High Sierra (10.13.x) users, utilize the High Sierra support page

Sierra (10.12.x) users, utilize the Sierra support page

El Capitan (10.11.x) users, utilize the El Capitan support page

Yosemite (10.10.x) users, utilize the Yosemite support page

Mavericks (10.9.x) users, utilize the Mavericks support page

Mountain Lion (10.8.x) users, utilize the Mountain Lion support page

Lion (10.7.x) users, utilize the Lion support page

Snow Leopard (10.6.x) users, utilize the Snow Leopard support page

Leopard (10.5.x) users, utilize the Leopard support page

Tiger (10.4.x) users, utilize the Tiger support page

If you are still having problems, contact us


HID ActivID ActivClient 4.0.1.92 CAC and PIV Middleware for Mac This package includes 1 license for 1 user - ActivIdentity Part Number: ACCXXXXLA This package does not include a smart card nor a smart card reader. ActivClient supports standard US government-issued smart cards such as CAC and PIV. ActivClient is the main DoD CAC software. Mac users are helped too. I have devised 5 different methods for you to utilize to install the software. Click the Software & Install Button (second button from the left) in the row of buttons near the top of every page in the site. Once you click the Software & Install Button, follow the buttons from left to right. It has a good review score and the cost is only slightly higher than the V1. This small price increase is worth paying to get a good quality vertical standing CAC reader for Mac desk use. Best CAC Card Readers For Mac – Portable Use. For portable CAC readers with tried and tested Mac compatibility, our top pick is the RT-SCR3 from Rocketek. SIIG’s USB 2.0 Smart Card Reader enables you to add a smart card reader to your USB equipped PC or Mac desktop or notebook computer. This portable smart card reader works with most major smart cards. It is equipped with power and activity LED indicators to monitor your operational status. And it is powered by USB port; no power adapter is needed for great convenience. Catalog download; Driver Downloads; New Arrivals. Rocketek iso7816 EMV smart ic id card reader September 4, 2020 - 10:21 am; Rocketek smart card reader USB smart ATM card reader portable IC card reader August 12, 2020 - 9:36 am; Hot sell chip smart card reader USB SIM card reader CAC card reader wholesale August 12, 2020 - 8:58 am; Contact us.

Steps to Installing Your CAC Reader on Your PC Overview

  1. Ensure your CAC Reader works for PC.
  2. Check to make sure your PC accepts the CAC reader.
  3. Update Your DOD Certificates.
  4. Verify you have the right ActivClient for your branch.

This is the easiest part of the install seeing as almost all CAC readers work for PC. I’ve gone ahead and put together a list of some of the best CAC readers available. Check these out!

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Once you’ve received your CAC reader, the next step is to plug it in and verify your PC recognizes it. If you have selected any of the above readers, you should be good to go. Your computer may actually begin to install the appropriate drivers needed automatically. However if that doesn’t happen, follow these steps to get started:

For Windows 10 Users:

  • Right Click the Windows Logo found in the lower left-hand corner of your screen.
  • Click System, then Device Manager
  • Scroll down to where it says Smart Card Readers and click on the little triangle next to it to get started.

For Windows 7/8 Users:

  • Right Click My Computer and select Properties
  • Next select Device Manager and scroll down to Smart Card Readers
  • Select the little triangle next to it in order to get started.

After your drivers have been installed, it’s time to move on to the next step.

To access DOD websites from home, you first need to have DOD permissions certificates on your home computer. These are simple enough to acquire though.

Using InstallRoot will make this issue monumentally easy through their simple to follow wizard. You can download InstallRoot for Windows from the following links:

Once you have downloaded the program, simply run it. It will take you step-by-step on how to update your DOD certificates. After the installation, you can also verify that your DOD certs have been uploaded successfully.

Military

This can be done by heading to your certificate management settings on your default Internet browser and checking to see if the certificates are listed.

After you’ve verified your DOD certificates, you next need to update your ActivClient–more specifically for your appropriate Branch of Service (if applicable).

ActivClient is a program that allows your computer to communicate with the chip on your CAC and relay that information between government websites. Making sure you have this installed is very important.

SO, you need to make sure that your ActivClient is up-to-date. Find your specific branch’s through the links below.

  • Army- In order for these links to work, you’ll need to copy and paste the entire link. Clicking directly on these will transport you to the homepage of AKO instead of to the download link. For Windows 32-Bit, use this link (32-Bit AKO LINK). For Windows 64-Bit, use this link (64-Bit AKO LINK).
  • Navy- Unfortunately, you need to get the client through your command’s IT personnel.
  • Air Force- The Air Force has not made it easy to acquire this software. However it is available for purchase at an ActivClient vendor such as here.
  • Marines- You’ll need to purchase ActivClient from an outside vendor. Check out this one!
  • Coast Guard- Purchase ActivClient from third-party vendor.
  • DOD Civilians- Acquire through vendor.

You Should Now Have CAC Access at Home!

But if not… There’s usually one particular reason. Your CAC card itself needs updating. Older versions of the card, do not meet the minimum requirements to access. To fix this, just head into your local PSD, and request a new CAC that does have access.

When it comes to installing your new CAC reader onto your home computer, there’s a doubt that installing on Mac is much more complicated. Often, you’ll need to install a CAC Enabler just for your Mac to recognize the hardware. But don’t worry in this handy guide, we’ll walk you through how to install a CAC enabler for Mac and which one to choose.

Here’s the thing…. Mac has many different OS’s which means that there are many different CAC enablers. And some will work for particularly OS’s only.

MUST READ IMPORTANT INFO BEFORE YOU BEGIN

Before you get started downloading and installing your CAC Enabler, there is some information that you need to be aware of:

  • Only download and install ONE CAC Enabler. Multiple CAC Enablers can cause your CAC Card reader not to work. If you currently have an incorrect CAC enabler installed, you need to uninstall and remove it before getting the correct one. This includes built-in Smart Card Readers for the newer OS’s.
  • Some of these CAC Enablers will ask for a Keychain Password. You should already have this information. It’s your CAC PIN. But before you enter this information, make sure you’ve already selected your CAC Certificate. And you need to use your full CAC pin. Failure to do so can actually lead to you getting locked out of your CAC Card. If this happens, you’ll have to go to your nearest ID Card Office or PSD to get it unblocked.
  • After successfully installing your CAC Enabler, you need to restart your computer before trying to access any CAC protected site. This ensures that your computer has properly recognized and installed the CAC Enabler.
  • Just because you’ve properly installed and set up your enabler, that doesn’t mean that it will work with all browsers–particularly Firefox. As popular of a browser it is, Firefox is notorious for not allowing CAC-protected sites to be accessed. This is why I recommend using Google Chrome. It has the least obstructions for you when it comes to using your CAC Reader.

What CAC Enabler Do You Need For Your OS?

In order to make sure that you download the right OS, be sure to use our handy Table of Contents to jump to the proper section.

And with that, let’s get your Mac system CAC Card ready!

Best Cac Reader For Mac

Catalina (10.15.x)

If you’ve purchased a Mac with the Catalina OS installed, STOP RIGHT HERE.

Catalina comes pre-equipped with a built-in CAC Enabler. This means you do not need to install a third-party program. If you do, it may interfere with your built-in enabler and cause your CAC to not be recognized. Just be sure that you have the proper DOD certificates installed.

But what if you purchased your Mac and then upgraded to the new system?

Military Cac Reader For Mac

If you haven’t installed any third-party enablers, the built-in function should automatically start working. But if you have previously installed any third-party CAC enablers, you’re going to have to uninstall and completely remove those first.

Mojave (10.14.x)

Download Cac Reader For Mac Pro

Similar to the Catalina OS, Mojave also has a built-in Smart Card Reader. This means that a third-party CAC enabler program may not be necessary. So before downloading any other enabler, test out the built-in first–just make sure you have the proper DOD certificates needed.

If your Mojave’s built-in reader is not working, then you can proceed to pick up another CAC enabler. There are 4 verified readers that work for Mojave that we know of.

Each of these should work for any type of CAC Card.

High Sierra (10.13.x)

High Sierra is another Mac OS with a built-in Smart Card reader. However, unlike Mojave or Catalina, you cannot access CAC-protected sites through Safari. They are not supported through Safari in this OS.

You need to use Google Chrome for optimal results. If you are adamantly opposed to using Chrome, I’d recommend to go ahead and update your Mac OS to Mojave or Catalina (if supported). Afterwards, you should find you don’t need a CAC enabler as long as you have the proper certificates.

However, if things aren’t working out the way they should, you do have some options for third party CAC enablers.

These have been verified to work with High Sierra and with every CAC Card type we’ve come across.

Sierra (10.12.x)

Sierra is the last of the Mac OS’s that has a built-in Smart Card Reader. However, you need to be aware that this reader will not function with the Safari browser even with the proper certificates.

You’ll need to utilize Google Chrome along with the proper DOD (or other) certificates.

There have been reports of the Sierra built-in CAC reader failing to operate properly. And in that case, you’re going to need to download one of these verified CAC enablers:

These CAC Enablers work with every type of CAC Card.

Dod Cac Reader For Mac

One thing to note is that if you decide to utilize PKard with Sierra, you need to make sure that you’re using PKard version 1.7 or higher.

El Capitan (10.11.x)

Unlike its newer OS counterparts, El Capitan does not come with a built-in smart card reader. You will be required to download and install a third-party program. Thankfully, there are 5 different CAC Enablers you can use.

One thing to note is that Smart Card Services will not work with all types of CAC Cards. If your CAC Card is designated as Oberthur ID One 128 v5.5a D, Smart Card Services cannot read it. You can find this information on the back of your CAC card itself near the magnetic strip.

This can be solved one of two ways. Either opt for a different enabler or get a new CAC Card.

Yosemite (10.10.x)

Yosemite requires a third-party enabler to be installed in order for your CAC Card to be recognized. There are 5 different verified options for Yosemite users:

Although a verified option, we recommend against using Smart Card Services. The reason for this is that Smart Card Services doesn’t accept all types of CAC Cards–particularly those labeled Oberthur ID One 128 v5.5a D.

Mavericks (10.9.x)

Mavericks is another Mac OS without a built-in Smart Card Reader. This means that you’re going to need to download a CAC Card Enabler. We’ve found five different platforms that work with this OS.

However, we suggest steering clear of Smart Card Services if you’re carrying the Oberthur ID One 128 v5.5a D CAC Card. This enabler does not recognize this particular type of CAC Card.

Mountain Lion (10.8.x)

Since Mountain Lion OS has no built-in Smart Card Reader, you’ll have to avail of a third-party CAC Card Enabler. There are 5 different options to choose from for this platform.

However, if you’re using the CAC Card type, Oberthur ID One 128 v5.5a D, steer clear of Smart Card Services. They don’t recognize this type of card.

Lion (10.7.x)

Download Cac Reader For Mac

Lion is one of Mac’s older operating systems. But that doesn’t mean you’re completely out of luck if need to use a CAC card on it. There are 4 different options you have.

It’s worth mentioning that if you are planning on using Smart Cards Services, ensure you don’t have an Oberthur ID One 128 v5.5a D CAC Card. The program doesn’t work with the typing.

Snow Leopard (10.6.x)

Download Cac Reader For Mac Installation

The first recommendation I have for Snow Leopard users is to upgrade their system as soon as possible. But if due to constraints you are unable to, there are still a few paths you can take when it comes to ensuring your CAC Card can be read.

Just don’t opt for Smart Card Services if you’re using an Oberthur ID One 128 v5.5a D CAC Card.

Leopard (10.5.x)

If you’re still using Leopard, our first recommendation is to upgrade your OS immediately. However if you’re unable to, there’s still hope for using a CAC Card on your computer.

Your available options for CAC Card Enabler are:

However, TENS will only work if your computer has an Intel processor. It won’t work if you’re using a PPC.

Again, the first recommendation for Leopard is not downloading a new CAC enabler but updating your system.

Our Top CAC Enabler Picks for All Operating Systems

When it comes to which enablers we like best, it boils down to two.

Cac Reader For Macbook Air

PKard and ActivClient for Mac.

Either one of these is compatible with just about every OS on this list–with the exception of Catalina (Be sure to use their built-in enabler.)

Plus they have vendor support. And that can be quite handy if you’re having issues with your CAC enabler. However, they don’t come free. ActivClient for Mac rings in at around $50 while PKard is available for around $40.